Memory bears
Vicki Andrews of Vicki's Memory Bears is pictured on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in the hallway of a Summa Health Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center location, holding the first memory bear she created back in 2002 from a jean skirt her daughter embroidered when she was 5 years old. Andrews also holds a monkey she made five years ago from a flannel shirt that belonged to her cousin. (Michael Francis McElroy / Signal Akron)

Everyone loves teddy bears. 

These plush, lovable and huggable toys — varying in form, style, color and materials — signify love, congratulations or sympathy. Just ask Vicki Andrews, who over the years has crafted more than 2,500 memory bears. 

This Akron native can create a furry friend in about two weeks. Each inspired by a special story.

“Beautiful Bears — I cannot express in words what they mean to me” – Susie, Wilmington, North Carolina

How did Andrews become a creator of bears and other stuffed animals?

She started sewing her own school clothes at age 13; one year later, she made some of her mom’s work clothes. 

Summa Health
Rene Scott sits on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at a Summa Health Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center location with a corduroy dog that was made out of one of her father’s jackets. (Michael Francis McElroy / Signal Akron)
Akron in 330

The jewel of Akron is its people. They’re vibrant and resilient. Flawed, yet thoughtful and nurturing. And all of them come with compelling stories. That’s why we launched “Akron in 330.” This series offers a glimpse into everyday folks’ journeys across our many neighborhoods — 330 words at a time. Know someone we should consider? Tell us here.

In 2002, Andrews created her first bear with her daughter’s handmade jean shirt — the old clothing, which she couldn’t part with, was hand embroidered with a mushroom. 

Years later, her furry portfolio includes an order for a family in New Jersey, a memory bear honoring a Jewish grandfather. To complete her work, Andrews researched bat mitzvahs, a rite of passage for Jewish girls. Also, the family shipped six silver and gold silk neckties and a white silk handkerchief. Andrews used the materials to make a kippah (pronounced “yamaka”), a small hat or headcovering. In traditional Jewish communities, men wear them at all times,  except when sleeping and bathing. A kippah and fringed shawl adorned the teddy.

Another memorable order: A Southern grandfather sent a package containing his U.S. Army uniform and special clothing from his much-loved granddaughter, who had been ill from birth and died at age 9. He requested a memory bear with his uniform material and a phrase on the back. 

“I will always have your back.”

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Suggested Reading

Vicki’s Memory Bears are sold in 38 U.S. states, Canada, Scotland, Spain and Australia. Her bears have been made from silk, leather, mink, fox, rabbit, Persian lamb and beaver. 

Andrews admits customer tales have made her smile and shed tears, but she’s grateful for their trust. For every stitch encapsulates memories, immortalized in fur.

Patricia Sheahan is a professor, student teacher supervisor, installation artist, educational consultant for the integration of the arts across all disciplines and a freelance writer. Sheahan enjoys more than four decades of education experience at K-12 schools in New York and Pennsylvania and higher education at Seton Hill University, the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Penn State and most recently the University of Akron. Her favorite courses to teach are Social Justice Through the Arts, Ethics, Introduction to Critical Education, Classroom Management and Integrating the Arts K-12. Interests include visiting the Akron Art Museum, Akron Library, Civic Theatre, walking downtown to view murals and window light installations plus the stunning flower and plant arrangements, antiquing, especially from her own vendor space at The Brothers North Antiques in Medina. She also frequents Akron restaurants and local boutiques, travels and spends time with her family; a daughter and her newly blended family in North Canton, a son and his family in San Diego and a son in Dallas.